What is a wood accent wall called?

A wood accent wall, also known as a reclaimed wood accent wall or rustic wood accent wall, is a decorative wall treatment made from wood planks or reclaimed wood. The accent wall creates visual interest and texture within a room. The wood brings warmth and natural beauty to modern, rustic, farmhouse, or industrial decor styles.

What is an Accent Wall?

An accent wall is a single wall in a room that is differentiated from the other walls through color, material, texture, or design. The accent wall serves as a focal point and helps create character within the space. Accent walls are a simple way to add personality to a room without a major overhaul. An accent wall with wood planks is one popular accent wall treatment option.

Benefits of a Wood Accent Wall

There are many benefits to using wood for an accent wall:

• Adds visual interest – The natural grain patterns and textures of the wood planks create an eye-catching feature.
• Brings warmth – Wood infuses warmth and coziness into a space, balancing out cooler colors and materials.
• Easy to install – Wood planks can be installed directly onto drywall without much hassle.
• Budget-friendly option – Using reclaimed wood planks is an affordable way to get the wood accent wall look.
• Complements many design styles – Wood works well with modern, rustic, industrial, farmhouse and other aesthetics.
• Eco-friendly option – Reclaimed wood reduces waste and makes use of salvaged wood materials.

Types of Wood for an Accent Wall

There are various options when selecting wood for a statement wall:

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood planks repurpose old wood material from old buildings, homes, barns, and other structures. Using reclaimed wood reduces waste. The aged, weathered patina of reclaimed wood adds rustic, vintage character to a space. Salvaged barn wood is very popular for DIY wood accent walls.

New Wood

New wood planks provide a clean, uniform look. Types like pine, cedar, oak, maple provide contemporary visual appeal. The wood can be left natural, stained, painted, or whitewashed to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Faux Wood

Faux wood made from medium density fiberboard (MDF) offers an affordable alternative to real wood planks for DIY accent walls. The faux wood panels mimic the look of rustic, weathered barnwood but cost much less. Faux wood is a lightweight option that is easy for installation.

Installing a Wood Accent Wall

Installing a reclaimed wood accent wall is a relatively easy DIY project for beginners. Here are the basic steps:

1. Select the wood – Choose real reclaimed wood planks, new wood boards, or faux planks in your preferred wood tone and shape.
2. Prepare the wall – Make sure the accent wall is smooth, clean, and dry. Fill any holes and sand down high points or bumps.
3. Install furring strips – Nail vertical wood furring strips spaced 12″-16″ across the wall to attach planks to.
4. Stain or paint (optional) – Stain or paint the wood before installing for a finished look.
5. Affix planks – Nail planks horizontally to the furring strips using finishing nails. Stagger seams. Leave 1/8″ gap between planks.
6. Seal planks – Seal raw wood planks with polyurethane for protection and sheen.
7. Add trim – Use wood trim to frame edges for a polished look.

There are many possibilities for arranging the wood planks – alternate lengths, mix horizontal and vertical orientation, create geometric patterns, or use different wood tones. Get creative with your wood accent wall design!

Maintenance Tips for Wood Accent Walls

Follow these tips to keep your wood accent wall looking its best:

• Dust regularly using a soft cloth or duster.
• Vacuum gently using a brush attachment.
• Use wood cleaner and reseal planks annually.
• Avoidexcess moisture which can damage wood over time.
• Refinish or touch up wood finish if needed.
• Repair minor scratches using wood filler.

Conclusion

A wood accent wall, made from reclaimed barnwood planks, new pine boards, or faux wood panels, adds beautiful, natural texture and warmth to any room. Wood accent walls are an easy DIY project. Follow basic installation steps to affix wood horizontally to furring strips on a wall. Maintain the wood by dusting regularly, limiting moisture, and refinishing over time. Get creative with wood arrangements, stains, and paint colors. A rustic wood accent wall can be a stunning and unique focal point in both modern and farmhouse rooms.